pff rookie update: nfcs/carolina panthers

[nosuchthingasapanther]

]Carolina Panthers

Luke Kuechly, OLB

Draft: First round, ninth overall

Snaps/Usage: 220 total snaps, mainly in base packages

Notes: After a rocky start, Kuechly has played much better in recent weeks, though he’s still our lowest-rated 4-3 outside linebacker at -4.7 overall. He was a tackling machine in college and he’s shown well in that department, as he’s missed only two of his 28 tackle attempts. Early in the season he was susceptible to play action, and offensive linemen have had their way with him at the second level in the running game, but we’ll see if he can build on his strong games the past two weeks.

Amini Silatolu, OG

Draft: Second round, 40th overall

Snaps/Usage: Starting left guard, 296 snaps

Notes: Drafted out of Division 2 Midwestern State, Silatolu has made the jump and played every snap at left guard this season. He was holding his own until he ran into the Seattle Seahawks’ front four that gave him problems in their Week 5 matchup. For the season he’s grading at -3.2 and his nine QB disruptions on 163 pass block attempts put him at 44th out of 56 qualifying guards.

Frank Alexander, DE

Draft: Fourth round, 103rd overall

Snaps/Usage: 151 total snaps, 92 rushing the passer

Notes: Alexander has been used mostly as a nickel pass rusher and he’s performed well in his role. He’s picked up 13 QB disruptions on his 92 rushes, good for a +4.7 pass rush grade. His Pass Rush Productivity (PRP) of 11.8 ranks 14th out of all 88 4-3 defensive ends who have rushed the passer this season.

Josh Norman, CB

Draft: Fifth round, 143rd pick

Snaps/Usage: 315 total snaps, 275 at RCB

Notes: A starter since opening day, Norman has been the Panthers’ primary right cornerback this season. He’s given up 21 of 31 balls thrown his way for 255 yards (12.1 yards/completion), though he’s also defended three passes. His -4.7 grade is 88th among 100 cornerbacks.

Brad Nortman, P

Draft: Sixth round, 207th overall

Snaps/Usage: Starting punter

Notes: Nortman has punted 26 times for an average of 43.9 yards/punt and a net of 38.8 yards/punt. His +4.7 grade ranks 21st among punters.

Other Panthers rookies: Fourth-round wide receiver Joe Adams has not seen the field on offense, but he’s returned nine kicks for 208 yards (23.1 Avg) and five punts for 42 yards (8.4 Avg).

it's early, but frank alexander is shaping up to be a serious steal. i'm curious to see what he can do with full time duties.

[Guest Bwood]

Luke, Frank, Amini and Brad will all be solid players for years to come, Norman is right on the fence, he could just be a career backup or nickle if he doesn't improve. We need to bring in another corner next season, one that can start and make an impact.

[YoungPanthers89]

yay nortman!

[rayzor]

just curious how other CBs did in their rookie years as starters compared to norman.

i hate that he was/we were put into a position that he had to start but as far as i can tell he's done a good job as a rookie. next year he should be markedly better.

[MasterAwesome]

Norman is probably our best tackler on D too outside of Kuechly...his coverage may need a little work before he's a true starting-caliber CB, but let's not overlook his ability to make tackles, especially on a pathetic tackling team like ours.

[GolfRasta]

Norman is going to be a fine corner. Corner has to be the toughest position (with the exception of QB) for a rookie to step in a make an impact. There's still a learning curve even for the 1st rounders.

Things will start to click for Adams.

I think this could be our best draft class ever.

[The Special One]

Very good rookie class this year. We needed it badly..... or should I say Marty Hurney needed it badly

[Kuech the Sneak]

Norman is going to be a fine corner. Corner has to be the toughest position (with the exception of QB) for a rookie to step in a make an impact. There's still a learning curve even for the 1st rounders.

Things will start to click for Adams.

I think this could be our best draft class ever.

It could be the best ever....5 possible starters with alexander potentially taking over next year

[iamhubby1]

Gotta give credit for this years draft to Gregory and his staff. First year on the job. And did a great job.

This team is looking up. Well, except for that pesky Offense that is.

[FastNFurious]

I think these guys will all be fine once they get fully adjusted.... Norman will be a pro-bowler

[CPF4LIFE]

Claiborne and the other guys taken ahead of Norman havent been any better. We still got a steal so far. He is gonna be a great one down the road.